Can I collect ESD unemployment and still qualify for WA Paid Family Leave after my job ends (pregnant)?

From what I know, these r 2 different programs with different eligibility requirements. Unemployment is for when ur jobless and available to work, paid leave is for when u need time off for family stuff like having a baby. I think u can get unemployment until the baby comes then switch, BUT u cant get both at the same time obvi. U should call ESD and ask specifically about ur situation - good luck getting thru to them tho lol

This is actually a really good question about how these two programs interact. You're correct that you can qualify for both, but not simultaneously. Here's how it works: 1) You CAN collect unemployment after your job ends in March until you give birth 2) When your baby arrives, you would STOP claiming unemployment and apply for Paid Family Leave instead 3) To qualify for Paid Family Leave, you need to have worked 820 hours in the qualifying period (usually 12-18 months before birth), which it sounds like you've already done The key is that for unemployment, you must be able and available to work. Once you're on parental leave, you're no longer available for work, so you'd switch programs at that point. I recommend documenting your hours worked over the past 18 months for your Paid Family Leave application. Your current employer should be able to provide this documentation before your job ends.

I went through something kinda similar last year except I was laid off when I was 8 months pregnant! Talk about timing right? Anyway what the other person said is right - you can get unemployment until baby comes then switch to paid leave. just make sure you STOP filing weekly claims once you start paid leave or you'll have a huge headache with overpayments later!!!!!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now!! I got laid off in January and I'm due in April. I've been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now. My plan is to stop filing weekly claims when I go into labor and then apply for Paid Family Leave. Just be prepared because there can be a gap between your last unemployment payment and when your paid leave starts. They say paid leave can take up to 2-3 weeks to process after you apply, and you can't apply until AFTER you give birth. So maybe try to save a bit from unemployment to cover that gap period. Also, make sure you're doing your 3 job search activities every week for unemployment! They're really strict about that now.

Good luck trying to reach ESD by phone to get this question answered!! I spent WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone about my claim last month, kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Complete nightmare. The whole system is designed to make you give up I swear.

Be careful about the waiting week for unemployment! Your first eligible week is a waiting week where you don't get paid. And I think Paid Family Leave also has a waiting week. So you'll have two unpaid weeks in the process. Also, your employer might contest your unemployment since they might argue it's a contract non-renewal rather than a layoff. Just be prepared to explain that your position was eliminated. And congrats on the baby! At least WA has better benefits than most states.

one more thing nobody mentioned - if ur on unemployment u HAVE to be applying for jobs each week. but what jobs r gonna hire someone who's 6 months pregnant and will need leave in 3 months? its like ESD doesn't think about these situations AT ALL

One more tip - start gathering your medical documentation now! For Paid Family Leave, you'll need certification from your healthcare provider. I got mine pre-filled at my 32-week appointment so it was ready to go when I needed to apply. Makes the process much smoother!

Hey Keisha! I just wanted to add one more thing that might help - since you mentioned having trouble getting through to ESD by phone, you can also try reaching out through their online messaging system in your eServices account. It's not instant, but they usually respond within 2-3 business days and it's way less frustrating than sitting on hold for hours. Also, I'd recommend checking if your employer offers any kind of severance or extended benefits that might help bridge the gap. Some companies provide COBRA continuation or even a small severance package when positions are eliminated, especially if you ask. It never hurts to negotiate a little bit given your situation. You've got this! It sounds like you're being really proactive about planning everything out, which is exactly what you need to do. The stress is understandable but you're asking all the right questions.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation - losing a job while pregnant is incredibly stressful! I went through something similar a few years ago and wanted to share what I learned. You're absolutely right to be thinking about this transition carefully. The good news is that yes, you can collect unemployment until your baby arrives and then switch to Paid Family Leave. The key things to remember: 1) Make sure you understand the exact timing - you'll need to stop filing unemployment claims the week you go on maternity leave 2) There might be a small gap in benefits while your PFL application processes, so try to save a little if possible 3) Keep all your employment records from this job - you'll need them for both programs One thing I'd add that others haven't mentioned - consider applying for any state assistance programs you might qualify for during this transition period. WIC, SNAP, and temporary assistance programs exist exactly for situations like this. There's no shame in using these safety nets when you need them, especially with a baby on the way. Also, don't forget to apply for unemployment immediately after your last day of work - don't wait! The sooner you get that process started, the better. Hang in there - this is temporary and you're going to get through this! 💙